Major plans for new special school in Mansfield approved
The new school will be designed, project and cost managed by Arc Partnership, with construction being undertaken by Morgan Sindall.
The purpose-built facility will be constructed on the former Ravensdale School site in the town and will have capacity for up to 160 pupils across the 7 to 19 years age range. It will provide a specialist learning environment for children with social, emotional, and mental health needs.
The project is part of a wider programme being delivered by the county council to create up to 490 additional SEND school places by 2026 to address the growing demand for more specialist school places across the county.
We are focussed on delivering real value together and this school will be key to benefitting both young people and wider communities across the county.
Sensory zones and calm spaces are just some of the design elements included in the construction of the new facility to ensure it is tailored to the children’s needs and complement learning.
Each key stage will be accommodated in either four or six classrooms to promote a ‘small school’ feel along with satellite dining spaces ‘to avoid children being overwhelmed by larger central facilities’.
Separate building entrances will also be created to address the sensory needs of pupils.
The purpose-built school will also boast two all-weather pitches with sports equipment storage buildings and a tarmac multi-use games area, as well as car parking and a drop-off area for minibuses.
Six spaces for electric vehicle (EV) charging will be provided in the staff car park and four, including one for a disability parking space, in the visitor car park.
It is expected that the associated cost of delivering the new school will be funded from the Special Schools capital programme.
